Article with wireless signal alerting device

• US 20060025182A1
• Filed: 10/11/2005
• Published: 02/02/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 11/24/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Benjamin Rozwood, David C. Cadis, Robert J. Tushinsky
• Original Assignee: Benjamin Rozwood, David C. Cadis, Robert J. Tushinsky
• Inventors: Cadis, David C., Tushinsky, Robert J., Rozwood, Benjamin
• Granted Patent: US 7,203,524 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/575.100
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 1/08 using electric transmission ; transformation of alarm signals to electrical signals from a different medium, e.g. transmission of an electric alarm signal upon detection of an audible alarm signal
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 5/36 using visible light sources
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 19/04 the ringing-current being generated at the substations
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 19/048 Arrangements providing optical indication of the incoming call, e.g. flasher circuits

Abstract

An article for personal, vehicular or household use provides a visual alert for the presence of a mobile communication signal from a nearby but not physically connected communication device. The article includes a signaling assembly for providing a visual signal when a mobile communication signal is detected within a defined distance an antenna connected to the signaling assembly and extending from it. The signaling assembly may include a circuit module with an LED providing a visible signal when an adjacent mobile communication device is transmitting a signal within the defined distance. The defined distance is selected so as to make the article responsive only to signals from a mobile device within a user'"'"'s personal space.

Claims

1. An article operative to provide a visual alert for the presence of a mobile communication signal from a mobile communication device located within a personal space of a user, the article comprising:

a signaling assembly for providing a visual signal when a mobile communication signal is detected within a defined distance from the signaling assembly;

an portable housing enclosing at least a portion of the signaling assembly, the portable housing configured as a component of an article for personal, vehicular, or household use; and

an antenna connected to the signaling assembly and extending for a distance from the signaling assembly in a substantially linear configuration along at least a portion of the portable housing, wherein the article is not connected to the mobile communication device.

2. The article of claim 1, wherein the defined distance is in the range of about one to four feet.

3. The article of claim 1, wherein the defined distance is in the range of about four to twelve feet.

4. The article of claim 1, wherein the signaling assembly comprises a circuit module, that when placed on or adjacent to a user, is operative provide the visual signal when generally any operative GSM or TDMA mobile communication device located within a personal space of the user receives an incoming signal, and to not respond when like mobile communication devices located outside the personal space of the user receive an incoming signal.

5. The article of claim 4, wherein the circuit module further comprises a sensor chip operative to sense activation of the antenna by a mobile communication signal, a light-emitting diode connected to the sensor chip, and a battery connected to the sensor chip.

6. The article of claim 4, wherein the antenna extends from the circuit module for a length of at least about one inch and not greater than about four inches.

7. The article of claim 4, wherein the antenna extends from the circuit module for a length of at least about four inches and not greater than about twenty inches.

8. The article of claim 1, wherein the portable housing comprises a tubular member encasing the antenna for at least a portion of the distance extending from the signaling assembly.

9. The article of claim 1, wherein the portable housing comprises at least a portion of a bracelet.

10. The article of claim 1, wherein the portable housing comprises at least a portion of a necklace.

11. The article of claim 1, wherein the portable housing comprises at least a portion of a wristwatch.

12. The article of claim 1, wherein the portable housing comprises at least a portion of an animal-shaped toy.

13. The article of claim 1, wherein the portable housing comprises at least a portion of a beverage receptacle.

14. The article of claim 1, wherein the portable housing comprises at least a portion of a keychain.

15. The article of claim 1, wherein the portable housing comprises at least a portion of a mini-light.

16. The article of claim 1, wherein the portable housing comprises at least a portion of a pendant.

17. The article of claim 1, wherein the portable housing comprises at least a portion of a brooch.

18. The article of claim 1, wherein the portable housing comprises at least a portion of an article of clothing.

19. The article of claim 18, wherein the article of clothing comprises a cap.

20. The article of claim 1, further comprising an attachment layer covering at least a portion of a surface of the portable housing, the attachment layer configured for attaching the article to another object.